Looking back at your early education choices, were you someone who enjoyed the subjects of math and science or reading and writing? If you regularly chose reading and writing over math and science, you’re not alone. In fact, because so many made this choice, there’s currently a shortage of individuals with the necessary skills to fill jobs in STEM-related fields.
STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, continues to be a hot topic among educators, businesses and organizations. Even the White House is weighing in on the importance of the issue. Recognizing the underrepresentation for half of the population in STEM-related jobs, President Obama created an initiative to get more girls involved in science, math and engineering.
Women in STEM
- Women fill half of all jobs, but less than 25% have STEM jobs
- Women with STEM jobs earn 33% more than women with non-STEM jobs
- Gender wage gap is less in STEM jobs
U.S. Department of Commerce
A Kansas City Approach to STEM
Locally, KC STEM Alliance is working to meet the demands of a workforce hungry for individuals with STEM skills. In 2011, a collaborative network of educators, business affiliates and organizations created the local alliance to encourage interest in STEM to improve the quality, diversity and quantity of job-ready candidates in the area. KC STEM is working to attract interest among young females to show them the first-hand benefits of an educational and career path using STEM skills. In early August, KC STEM hosted a girls-only app camp. The no-boys-allowed camp taught programming and app development to female teens and pre-teens in the area. During the 5-day camp, the girls created apps for Android phones and hung out with female programmers in the metro who shared their personal path to becoming a programmer. This is the third year for the app camp.
The Wise Choice for Career Advancement
The decision of a major has the ability to effect choices for job availability and earning potential. Choosing a degree with a STEM focus can translate into greater earning potential directly out of school and in the future. Engineering and architecture rank at the top of the list for the best earning potential with a bachelor’s degree. Engineers employed within the oil field can earn even more. In the Kansas City metro area new and seasoned engineers work with Austin Nichols, the premier direct hire and contract recruiter in the metro. The recruiters at Austin Nichols work with candidates to land jobs in chemical, industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering professions. From preparation for resumes and interviews to on-the-job experience and final negotiations, Austin Nichols looks for the best way to serve our candidates. If you’re looking for a new engineering position, talk to the engineering recruitment experts at Austin Nichols Technical Search.
As a top Kansas City recruiting firm since 1988, Austin Nichols Technical Search has served clients in a variety of fields. Austin Nichols specializes in direct hire and contract recruiting for manufacturing, construction, engineering, and technical positions.
